Debut Day
March 10th, 1798
The week leading up to her presentation at court was full of last minute preparations and constant reminders of etiquette.
Her mother had insisted on putting all efforts forth into her presentation, as she had done the same in her youth.
No matter what there was the family name to uphold.
By the evening before her debut, the young witch had lost count of the amount of times she had been forced to curtsey.
And then the day was upon her.
Hermione could practically hear her heart pounding in her chest as her mother and Tilly aided her in getting ready that morning.
Her curls had been pinned into an elegant updo, and as Lily had warned in a letter, three large feathers had been placed into her hair. Aside from the bracelet given to her by her father, she wore no other jewels.
As all other debutants, she donned a white dress which had been made to the specifications provided to the seamstress by her mother.
It was a silk gown with a train and a tulle headdress with a veil that is long enough that it would float over the train while she walked.
Unlike other debutants, her dress featured minimal gold accents to represent her house.
She slipped he last piece of her attire, her shoes on, and admired her own reflection in the mirror for a moment, before turning to face the two others.
“Do you think I look suitable?” Hermione found herself asking, nerves evident as ever.
She was met with the sound of soft sniffles from Tilly, noticing the elf had conjoured a tissue to dab at her eyes repeatedly.
It became clear that the small elf was not the only one on the verge of tears, Euphemia's eyes watery as she spoke to her daughter.
“I think you look stunning, my little lioness. And I think you are ready.”
With those words, she was lead to her bedroom door, where the rest of the family had been waiting just outside.
Tilly snapped her fingers, and the doors opened slowly to reveal the young witch to those awaiting her.
The look of awe on their faces said more than any of the compliments offered.
..........
It was noon, when Hermione and her mother stepped out of their carriage and onto the property of The Crown.
One by one, the debutants and their sponsors made their way through the long corridors of the Castle, into a large room.
They were to wait there hidden from the public eye in the final moments before they were presented to the Queen herself.
It was about two hours later, that the young women were told to line up in a predetermined order.
Twenty witches were to be announced before Hermione, and none were to follow.
As the last witch to debut for the year, there was a sudden pressure to live up to those who were presented before her.
In the time it took for the first ten witches to be presented, Hermione found herself taking deep breaths to calm herself.
After the next five, she managed to steady herself, a stoic look on her face.
When it came to the final of the twenty ahead of her, she felt her mother squeeze her shoulder in reassurance.
This was the entrance that would determine the success of the season to follow; and it was finally her turn.
Standing and facing the closed door, she waited to be announced, her mother still behind her as her sponsor.
“Miss Hermione Granger-Potter, House of Potter. Presented by her mother the Lady Euphemia Potter.”
The doors opened, and the room was flooded with light for the final time.
Remembering all she had been taught, she stepped forward slowly with her hands at her side, smiling softly as she noticed the familiar faces of her family in the crowd.
She turned her gaze towards the Queen, upping the pace of her steps ever so slightly before coming to a stop.
With a deep breath, she lowered herself into a curtsey, feeling her mother do the same behind her. Slowly, her gaze fell to the floor, knee just above the ground, awaiting permission to rise.
“As graceful as your mother was at her age, I see.”
A commanding voice spoke from above her, before a hand was brought to her chin, guiding her to rise.
“You have done beautifully.”
Hermione’s eyes met those of the Queen, and she found herself breathless.
As the powerful woman took a step backwards, Hermione noticed one of the courtiers standing tall amongst the rest, watching her curiously.
With final, gentler curtsey as a thanks, the Potter women began their exit, all eyes in the room now focusing on Hermione Granger-Potter.
Silent whispers of praise had fallen from her mother’s lips as they exited the property, and entered their own carriage and returned home.
It wasn’t until two days later upon receiving the morning post, that Hermione had realized the weight of the Queen’s words, and what it would mean for her.
..........
The Daily Prophet
Society Section
Daughter of House of Potter Declared Season’s Diamond
Dated March 12th, 1798
Rita Skeeter
In an exciting turn of events, the Queen has declared the Diamond of the Season to be one Miss Hermione Granger-Potter, of House of Potter. The bright young witch was brought into the Potter family through the Ministry's Magical Children Initiative, and is the first born to non-magical parents to claim the title of Diamond.
Members of the House of Potter have rarely been seen at court since the engagement of their current matriarch and patriarch; Lord Fleamont Potter, and former Diamond, Lady Euphemia Potter née Black.
The heir to their house, James Potter has joined his blood-adopted sister in her journey to court this season, along with several other eligible bachelors of status close to the family.
Most excitedly, it appears this Diamond's shine has caught more than the attention of just Her Majesty during her debut.
The young nephew of the Queen, Heir Evan Rosier, is said to have been enamored by the beauty presented at court last night. Word is, that this is the year he seeks a bride.
Perhaps this season we will see our Diamond compete at court for his heart, or maybe even the other way around?
..........
Hermione found herself in awe at the words printed before her eyes.
Something she had long thought impossible; she was the Diamond of her season.